Songs Of The Day: New Music From Wani, Buju, Moonchild Sanelly & More
New music from around the continent
New music from around the continent
More than most people, the team at The NATIVE knows that the sheer scope of music available to us at this exact moment in human history is mind-numbing but our goal is still the same as always: we don’t want exciting music to be slept on. That’s where our Songs of the Day column comes in. We try to keep our fingers on the pulse of music from across the continent and beyond, bringing you exciting songs from talented musicians who are continuously trying to bounds of artistry with their music.
Song of the day is perfect for everyone who is a pioneer in developing their sound and taste. A tweak here and there in your library is always needed and encouraged. While expanding your music horizons, be that friend that puts others, so they can possess the soundtrack to your mind whilst elevating theirs. Last week, we had songs from Bella Shmurda, Bella Alubo, Wizkid, Blaqbonez & more. Today’s column brings you music from Johnny Drille, Styl Plus, Tems, Adekunle Gold, Cheque, Ria Sean and more. Enjoy.
About a month ago, Wani released his first official single of the year, “Times Two” featuring Buju. This track which happens to be the lead single off his forthcoming EP ‘Lagos City Vice II’, mainly finds both artists speaking on their different perspectives of love and money on the Higo-produced mid-tempo track, having them both displaying great synergy. To further promote the track, Wani and Buju have teamed up to release visuals to the track. The Onari-directed video which properly amplifies the song finds the pair at different scenes including a party scene, with women all over. Dancing and having a good time.
Over the weekend, Johnny Drille released his debut album ‘Before We Fell Asleep’, a 14 track LP with features from Ayra Starr, Styl Plus, Ladipoe, and record label boss, Don Jazzy. On standout track “Odo”, the singer features 1/3 of the former leading pop group, Styl Plus. The track finds the artists confessing love to their respective muses. Both artists deliver a stellar performance over the euphonious production of the self-produced track with memorable romantic lyrics such as “For the rest of my life girl I need you, I go fit die for your love”
Nigerian rap duo, Tec and Ghost of Show Dem Camp have spent the past decade establishing themselves as some of the fiercest lyricists on this side of the shore. Off the back of the fifth installment of the ‘Clone Wars’ series, the pair are now expanding the world around their new tape with video treatments. Their latest release is the vibrant new video for “Tycoon”, the gritty boastful number featuring Trybe alum, MOJO and Rap OG, Remininsce. The befitting video finds the pair cruising down the streets of Lagos while performing their verses, the pair seem to be high on life till they dip into the underworld run by Remininsce and his goons.
South African Queen of Vibes, Moonchild Sanelly might be many things but she’s definitely not one to messed about and played with. Her new single “Undumpable” is a catchy anthemic number that finds the singer declaring her ‘undumpable’ status and expressing her confidence at always holding the upper hand. In the accompanying music video, the singer can be seen performing unabashedly in a range of daring scenes including a live dirt wheeling scene.
Since the release of ‘Afropop Vol.1’, Adekunle Gold has continuously showcased his growing versatility as an artist. Over the past few months, the singer has begun rolling out promotional singles for his new EP including the Lucky Daye-assisted “Sinner” and “It Is What It Is.“
Each new release has been oozing with confidence for what’s to come which is why his new tracks are met with similar levels of excitement. For his latest release, he teams up with Davido to deliver the Amapiano infused track, “High.” On the Pheelz-produced track, both artists are found singing over the fast-paced beat, expressing their desire to be high and happy as “Me I just want to be high, be high” Adekunle Gold quips on the chorus.
For his second official release of the year, Cheque collaborates with Olamide to deliver a groovy mid-tempo track titled “LOML.” The romantic number finds both artists serenading their respective with clear-cut delivery and conviction as they declare their affections over the bouncy production of the track. On the track’s chorus, Cheque sings “You be light for my life, no be lie at all/You give me love wey me never feel before”. Who better than Olamide to bare out his soul for a romantic partner. We’re loving this new beat.
Today, Afropop boasts of several female stars holding their own and making music that makes listeners feel seen. Earlier this year, Aristokrat’s new secret weapon made her official debut on the scene with a major label backing. There were a string of promotional releases including “Lemonade” and “Money Bag.”
Sustaining this momentum, for her debut EP, Ria Sean delivers ‘Fluid’, a 6-tracker that finds the artist speaking on is making money, self-worth, and more. On this track, she delivers a stellar performance and showcases her sweet-sounding voice with rapid enthusiasm. Over the hook, she sings “give me love, give me everything I need/boy, satisfy my soul,” pleading with a lover to meet her needs.
For his second official release of the year, rap artist 4runna is here with his new LT-assisted single “Say”. This song basically finds the artist expressing tiredness and lack of interest in what people may be saying or what they have to say. LT takes charge of the song as he delivers the chorus of the track, “I’m sick and tired of hearing them say say wetin, dem say dem no say” he sings on the hook. 4runna comes in shortly and takes charge of his comeback.
Singer, songwriter and performer Zealot releases his new debut EP ‘Never Left’, a 6-tracker that finds the artist resonating on matters such as love, romance, relations and more. On the 9ice-assisted track, both artists talk about struggles they face in life with each passing day in their country. While they may be under increased strain, they resolve to taking it easy and staying head of the BS: “Shey jeje ma lo, to n ba ni ko sun jo, sun fun won.”
Featured image credits/Instagram